Daley Names Choice For Water Job

Mayor Richard Daley on Monday named Richard Rice as his choice to head the city's Water Department.

Rice, 40, now a deputy budget director, started with the city in 1983 as a planner in the former Department of Public Works.

Rice "is a proven administrator and knows the city's infrastructure as well as anyone in government," Daley said. Rice also "was instrumental in the final negotiations for the city's $2.1 billion share of the governor's Illinois FIRST program."

Rice, whose appointment is to be considered by the City Council Wednesday, would replace Judy Rice--no relation--who has been nominated by Daley to become transportation commissioner.